Device for collecting particulate matter

Abstract

An improved device for collecting particulate matter suspended in the ambient air is disclosed comprising a container extending between an open first end and a closed second end defining a container interior. A container output communicates with a container interior located proximate the closed second end of the container. A filter cassette comprising a collection filter is permanently affixed to a filter holder. A retainer having a retainer input retains the filter cassette between the retainer input and the container output. An output connector connects the container output to a low pressure source for drawing ambient air into the retainer input for enabling the collection filter to collect particulate matter suspended in the ambient air entering the retainer input. Preferably, the filter holder and the filter are disposable.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An improved device for collecting particulate matter suspended in the ambient air through the use of a low pressure air source, comprising:
 a container extending between an open first end and a closed second end defining a container interior; 
 a container output communicating with said container interior located proximate said closed second end of said container; 
 a filter cassette comprising a collection filter permanently fused to a filter holder, wherein a top surface of the collection filter is permanently fused to a bottom surface of a flange of the filter holder; 
 a filter support positioned under said collection filter, wherein the filter support prevents distortion of the collection filter during an operation for the collecting particulate matter; 
 a retainer having a retainer input removably secured to said open first end of said container for retaining said filter cassette between said retainer input and said container output; and 
 an output connector for connecting said container output to the low pressure source for drawing ambient air into said retainer input for enabling said collection filter to collect particulate matter suspended in the ambient air entering said retainer input. 
 
     
     
       2. The improved device for collecting particulate matter, as set forth in  claim 1 , including a closure for closing said retainer input. 
     
     
       3. The improved device for collecting particulate matter, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said filter holder and said collection filter are disposable. 
     
     
       4. The improved device for collecting particulate matter, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said filter support is formed from a gas porous material for allowing airflow therethrough for facilitating the collection of the particulate matter, and wherein said gas porous material inhibits passing of a liquid therethrough under ambient gas pressure. 
     
     
       5. The improved device for collecting particulate matter, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said collection filter engages said filter holder via a compression engagement. 
     
     
       6. The improved device for collecting particulate matter, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said collection filter is permanently heat sealed to said filter holder. 
     
     
       7. The improved device for collecting particulate matter, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said filter holder and said collection filter are formed from a polymeric material. 
     
     
       8. The improved device for collecting particulate matter, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein:
 said filter holder and said collection filter are formed from a soluble material; and 
 said filter holder and said collection filter are dissolved by a solvent for extracting any collected particulate material from said filter. 
 
     
     
       9. The improved device for collecting particulate matter, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein:
 said filter holder and said collection filter are formed from a solvent resistant material; and 
 said solvent dissolves and extracts any collected particulate matter from said collection filter. 
 
     
     
       10. The improved device for collecting particulate matter, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said filter cassette includes a foam filter located upstream from said filter for collecting large particulate matter suspended in the ambient air, wherein the filter support comprises a ledge extending inwardly for providing a stop for the foam filter, and the ledge provides consistent spacing between the foam filter and the collection filter. 
     
     
       11. An improved device for collecting particulate matter suspended in the ambient air through the use of a low pressure air source, comprising:
 a container extending between an open first end and a closed second end defining a container interior; 
 a container output communicating with said container interior located proximate said closed second end of said container; 
 a filter cassette comprising a collection filter permanently fused to a filter holder, wherein a top surface of the collection filter is permanently fused to a bottom surface of a flange of the filter holder; 
 a filter support positioned under said collection filter, wherein the filter support prevents distortion of the collection filter during an operation for the collecting particulate matter; 
 a foam filter located in said filter cassette located upstream from said collection filter; 
 a retainer having a retainer input removably secured to said open first end of said container for retaining said filter cassette between said retainer input and said container output; and 
 an output connector for connecting said container output to the low pressure source for drawing ambient air into said retainer input for enabling said collection filter to collect particulate matter suspended in the ambient air entering said retainer input.